Browse all

come between

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive

to cause separation, conflict, or obstruction between people or things

In plain English

to get in the middle and make things harder or damage a relationship

What does "come between" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

to damage a relationship by creating disagreement or distance

"Money should never come between close friends."

Don't let anything come between us.

— Common line in films and songs; exact single source not reliably attributable
inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

to prevent something from happening or being achieved

"I won't let fear come between me and my goals."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

to move into the space separating two people or things

Actually means

to get in the middle and make things harder or damage a relationship

Usage tip

Most often used about relationships, loyalties, or plans. Usually followed by two people or things.

Words that pair with "come between"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

friends brothers marriage relationship us them

How to conjugate "come between"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
come between
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes between
he/she/it
Past simple
came between
yesterday
Past participle
come between
have + pp
-ing form
coming between
continuous

Hear "come between" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "come between" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "come between"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

divide drive a wedge between interfere separate stand in the way

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.